Pregnant women who take paracetamol are more likely to have a baby with asthma, according to a study by the Universities of Bristol and Oslo. Researchers found that if a mother takes paracetamol during her pregnancy, there's a 27% higher risk of her having an asthmatic child.

Paracetamol is the most commonly used painkiller for babies, and is used in medicines such as Calpol and Disprol as well as low-dose painkiller tablets. It is used to relieve fever and pain, including headaches, muscles ache, backache, toothache, sciatica and arthritis pain.

"Uncovering potential adverse effects is of public health importance, as paracetamol is the most commonly used painkiller among pregnant women and infants."

For the study, researchers compared several conditions during pregnancy – with and without use of paracetamol – and the development of asthma among 114,550 children. They also investigated whether the likelihood of asthma was due to the most common reasons for paracetamol use by pregnant women: pain, fever and influenza.

MOST POPULAR

The team found that 5.7% of the children had asthma at age three, and 5.1% had it at age seven and say they established the asthma was linked to the drug rather than any medical condition the mother may have been suffering when she took it.

However Dr Magnus said the findings of the new study, the largest of its kind, do not require any new guidance for expentant mums on paracetamol use.

Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Policy at Asthma UK, says:

"Although the results from the study show that maternal exposure to paracetamol before birth and during the first six months of the child's life increases the risk of a child developing asthma, more research is needed to better understand this relationship. If you are pregnant or trying for a baby you shouldn't panic; as the report's author states, no new guidance is required on the use of paracetamol but if you are concerned about this research and have any questions you can call our team of expert asthma nurses for advice on 0300 222 5800, or contact your GP or midwife to ensure that you are keeping well throughout your pregnancy."

The standard dose of paracetamol for pregnant women is up to 1,000mg (two standard tablets) up to four times a day.

The NetDoctor newsletter delivers the latest healthy living news straight to your inbox. Make sure you never miss out by signing up here...

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.